Providing the highest standard of veterinary care for Virginia Beach pets for 50+ years
For over 50 years, Bay Beach Veterinary Hospital has been part of the fabric of Virginia Beach—a place families have turned to for trusted care, year after year, pet after pet. We provide general veterinary care for dogs, cats, and small mammals Monday through Friday, with a focus on comfort and clinical excellence. Many of our clients have been with us for generations, and we’d be honored to care for your family, too.
Annual exams, vaccines, and preventive care to keep your pet healthy year after year.
When something’s wrong, we’re here providing quick answers and calm, capable care.
From surgery to teeth cleanings, your pet’s comfort and safety always come first.
Dr. Kimberly Key has been part of the Bay Beach family for decades—first as a veterinary assistant, then as a veterinarian, and now as owner and Medical Director. A 2003 graduate of the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, she returned to Bay Beach immediately after earning her DVM and later took ownership of the hospital in 2014.
She’s known for her clinical skill, deep commitment to her patients, and the trust she’s built with generations of local families. While she enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine, she has a special interest in feline care, surgery, and ultrasonography—and takes pride in offering clear, thoughtful guidance to every pet owner she serves.
Dr. Key lives in Virginia Beach with her family, her cats, and two tireless trouble-seekers: Palmer and Watson… the two best Pugs in the world.
Dr. Heidi Thompson is a 1997 graduate of the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Forestry and Wildlife from Virginia Tech in 1993, and worked as a veterinary assistant for 6 years prior to attending veterinary school.
Dr. Thompson joined Bay Beach Veterinary Hospital in 2002 after practicing in the Chesapeake area for several years. She believes good client education is the foundation for our pets’ health. She particularly enjoys endocrinology, oncology, and other areas of internal medicine. Dr. Thompson has a very busy home life with three teenagers, and a spirited Mexican-born Scottish Terrier named Una. In her spare time she enjoys crazy endurance sports such as running, triathlons, cycling, traveling, and photography.
Dr. Reed’s clinical interests include behavior, emergency medicine, wound care, and soft tissue surgery. Known for her calm, attentive approach, she’s especially passionate about helping pets through stressful or complex medical situations.
Outside the clinic, she enjoys fishing, traveling, and exploring the outdoors with her husband, Ryan, and their two energetic kids. Their family also includes one very special cat named Fozzie—a proud foster fail.
Dr. Kristen Seymour was born and raised in Traverse City, Michigan. She grew up in animal hospitals, often going to work with her mother, Dr. Marcia Izo, who is also a veterinarian. Dr. Seymour received a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science and her DVM from Michigan State University (Go Green!). During her time at MSU, she completed a fellowship in Emergency & Critical Care Medicine and began working as an emergency veterinarian in Saginaw, MI after graduation. She met her husband in a college acappella group, they married in 2016, and decided to move to Virginia Beach a year later for some warm weather and a “beach lifestyle.”
Dr. Melissa Williams grew up in Michigan and Ohio. She earned her undergraduate degree in Biology and Music in 1999 from Heidelberg College in Tiffin, Ohio, and went on to receive her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota in 2003.
Since graduating, she has practiced small animal medicine in the Hampton Roads area. Her current menagerie includes a senior cat named Onyx, two rabbits named Cinnamon and Minerva, and a chinchilla named Merry. Dr. Williams enjoys cases in internal medicine and dermatology and has a special interest in caring for small exotic mammals. In her free time, she enjoys running, baking, and relaxing at the beach.
Dr. Knapp is a strong advocate of preventative medicine, nutrition, and preventing obesity in pets. She enjoys getting to know her clients and their pets as well as educating people on their animals’ healthcare. She has a special interest in neurology and dermatology and is USDA-certified.
Dr. Knapp shares her home with a Greyhound named Kree and a cat named Tasha. In her free time, she enjoys late night walks with her dog and exploring Virginia Beach with her family.
Dr. Sara Elliott joined the Bay Beach team in June 2024. She graduated early from Old Dominion University with a Bachelor of Science and then went on to earn her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. She is Fear Free Certified and a member of both the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association (VVMA) and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
Dr. Elliott developed a love for animals and nature while exploring the woods and farmlands of the Finger Lakes as a child, surrounded by a household filled with various pets. Her passion for helping animals solidified during her undergraduate biology studies, leading her to discover a fulfilling vocation in veterinary medicine.
Dr. Elliott has a special interest in preventative medicine and geriatric care, striving to catch early signs of disease and ensure pets enjoy the longest, healthiest lives possible. She is particularly drawn to complex cases that require patience and a personalized approach, such as chronic symptoms, allergies, and behavioral issues. While she treats both dogs and cats, she has a special fondness for older cats, cherishing their wisdom and unique personalities.
When not at work, Dr. Elliott enjoys spending quality time with her husband, Mike, a paramedic, and their young son, Connor, fostering a shared love of nature and animals. She is also a sports enthusiast, avidly following Hokies college football, the Buffalo Bills, and the New York Yankees. Dr. Elliott also enjoys reading, listening to audiobooks, and watching horror movies.
At Bay Beach Veterinary Hospital, we combine clinical precision with compassionate care and decades of medical excellence. Our team is thorough, communicative, and deeply committed to doing what’s right for every pet we treat. From routine wellness care to urgent needs, we provide clear guidance and tailored recommendations in a calm, supportive environment. It’s the kind of care that builds trust for generations and that’s why we’ve been a trusted name in Virginia Beach since the 1970s. We take pride in our care and our community’s trust is something we work to earn every day.
We treat dogs, cats, and pocket pets like rabbits, chinchillas, sugar gliders, hamsters, gerbils, ferrets, mice, guinea pigs, and more. Please note: We do not treat other exotic species like reptiles or birds.
We understand that health concerns often arise unexpectedly. That’s why we offer same-day appointments Monday through Friday for urgent needs. We also have drop-off availability for added flexibility. If your pet needs care today, please give us a call so we can confirm availability and prepare for your arrival.
If you’re not sure whether it’s urgent, give us a call. Our team can help you assess the situation based on your pet’s symptoms and let you know whether they should be seen the same day. You can also visit our urgent care page for guidance on common issues that require prompt attention.
For life-threatening emergencies, please contact our sister hospital, Bay Beach Veterinary Emergency Hospital. They’re open 24/7, including nights, weekends, and holidays. If we’re fully booked, their team also provides urgent care around the clock and can step in when immediate attention is needed.
Mon, Tue, Thur: 8 AM - 7 PM
Wed: 8 AM - 6 PM
Fri: 8 AM - 5 PM
Sat & Sun: Closed
